Winter 2007/08

The following represents a final assessment of the weather experienced across the UK during Winter 2007/08 (December 2007 to February 2008) and how it compares with the 1971 to 2000 average (period used for the seasonal forecast).

December 2007 saw close to average daily mean temperatures over the UK, with January and February 2008 recording well above average temperatures. Daily mean temperatures for the winter period were 1 to 1.5 °C above average across most of the UK. Despite these well above average temperatures, it was not as warm as Winter 2006/07. The coldest spell in terms of UK mean daily temperatures occurred during the middle of December 2007. Winter daily maximum temperatures over the UK were 1.7 °C above average and daily minimum temperatures were 0.7 °C above average.

December 2007 and February 2008 both had close to average rainfall over the UK, with January 2008 having well above average rainfall. Over the winter period, rainfall was above average for the majority of the UK, with only a few southern and eastern areas recording less than average. Parts of north Wales, northern England and Scotland recorded over 150% of their average winter rainfall. January was a particularly wet month across many areas, with parts of northern England and Scotland having over double their average rainfall. It was the wettest January in the areal series back to 1914 for the E Scotland climate district and the third wettest for northern England.

December 2007 and February 2008 both had above-average sunshine duration over the UK, with January 2008 having below average sunshine. February was exceptionally sunny across England and Wales, with some eastern areas recording over double their average sunshine. It was the sunniest February in the areal series back to 1929 for the UK, England, Wales and climate districts of England and Wales. For the winter season, sunshine was well above average across much of the UK, although parts of SW Scotland received slightly less than average. It was the 3rd sunniest winter in the series back to 1929 for the UK and sunniest since 2001.

UK statistical summary

Mean temperature

Rainfall

Sunshine

The final mean value for the season is 4.9 °C, which is 1.2 °C above the 1971-2000 average.

The final total for the season is 386.0 mm, which is 116% of the 1971-2000 average.

The final total for the season is 188.8 hours, which is 128% of the 1971-2000 average. Third sunniest winter in series. Sunniest winter since 2001, when 189.9 hours was recorded.